According to the tie-break rule followed by IRCC, the date and time used was September 18, 2018, at 11:06:29 UTC, which means that all candidates with a score above 440, as well as those candidates with scores of 440 who submitted their profile before this specified date and time, will receive an ITA in this invitation round.

The gap between the two draws is only 12 days, and it is believed that the fact that this draw was held earlier than the 15-day interval, helped the score slide down. Usually such a drastic reduction in between draws, and large no of applicants being invited helps the score go low. The lesser the time between draws, the lesser the time for the pool to replenish, and this is what results in lower scores.

In the Express Entry system, which came into force in 2015, applicants are ranked according to their comprehensive ranking scores, which bases points based on factors including work experience, education, age and proficiency in English or French, Canada’s two official languages.

Candidates with the highest scores are issued an ITA through regular invitation rounds.

In 2018, IRCC has till now issued more than 70,000 invitations. A total no of 22 draws have been held so far in this year. In 2017, IRCC had till now sent 72,221 ITAs. The total no of applicants invited through Express Entry last year was 86,023.

The Govt of Canada has a target of 74,900 immigrants brought in through its 3 categories under Express Entry that is Federal Skilled Workers, Federal Skilled Trades and the Canadian Experience Class. For 2019, this target is 81,400.